Thomas Mathew, Chairman and Managing Director of Brainnet Group of Institutions, Kozhikode, is a name that stands for perseverance, vision, and a deep commitment to education. Hailing from Chammal near Thamarassery, his journey is not just about building an institution, but about transforming thousands of lives through meaningful and skill-oriented education.
In 1997, on May 17th, Thomas Mathew took a bold step that would define his life’s purpose. With a clear vision and determination, he founded Brainnet Group of Institutions at a time when professional education, particularly in medical and engineering entrance coaching, was in high demand. Brainnet initially focused on preparing students for these competitive fields while also offering creative and emerging courses such as fashion design and interior design.
During this period, there was a significant surge of students aspiring to enter medical and engineering fields, and Brainnet played a vital role in helping many of them achieve success in entrance examinations.
The institution quickly gained recognition for its quality training and student success. As word spread, more students began to enroll, making Brainnet a trusted name in education. However, the journey was not without challenges.
Around the year 2000, the educational landscape underwent changes due to issues related to the pre-degree board formation. This led to a temporary halt in admissions, posing a serious challenge to the institution’s growth.
But for Thomas Mathew, challenges were never roadblocks; they were opportunities to evolve. Recognizing the changing needs of the job market, he made a strategic and visionary decision to shift the institution’s focus from entrance coaching to skill-based education. This marked a turning point in Brainnet’s journey.
With this transformation, Brainnet began offering a wide range of job-oriented courses, including computer design, jewellery design, fashion design, interior design, solar training, and beautician courses. In the field of computers, specialized training such as data entry courses was introduced, ensuring that students were equipped with practical skills that directly led to employment opportunities.
Over the years, Brainnet has trained more than 10,000 students in various skill-based programs, empowering them to build careers and achieve financial independence.
Thomas Mathew’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous accreditations and affiliations Brainnet has earned. The institution has received recognition from Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Punjab Technical University, Karnataka State Open University, and has also served as a distance education center for Calicut University. In 2023, Brainnet achieved another milestone by obtaining accreditation from Indira Gandhi Technical University.
Further strengthening its credibility, Brainnet became an authorized franchise center under the Central Government through Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL). It has also secured accreditations from Telecommunications Consultants India Limited and approval from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for multiple courses. These affiliations have enabled the institution to deliver high-quality, government-recognized training programs.
A significant chapter in Brainnet’s journey began in 2016 through its collaboration with the Kerala Academy for Skill Excellence (KASE), under the Government of Kerala. Through this partnership, Brainnet successfully trained around 2,600 students across 16 different sectors, all sponsored by KASE. This initiative not only enhanced skill development but also created opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Thomas Mathew’s mission is his dedication to supporting students from financially backward communities. Through government schemes, CSR initiatives, and institutional support, Brainnet ensures that deserving students are given access to education and skill training, regardless of their financial limitations. This commitment has transformed countless lives, giving hope and direction to those who needed it the most.
Behind this successful journey is a strong support system. His wife, Leena Thomas, and their two children have been pillars of strength, standing by him through every phase of growth and challenge. Their encouragement has played a vital role in his continued success.
Looking ahead, Thomas Mathew’s vision is both ambitious and inspiring. He aims to establish skill training centers across different parts of Kerala in collaboration with the state government, making quality education accessible to a wider population.
He is also focused on updating and modernizing the curriculum by incorporating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, ensuring that students remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
In addition, Brainnet is planning to launch an international study center that will offer globally recognized courses, opening new doors of opportunity for students aspiring to study and work abroad. This forward-thinking approach reflects Thomas Mathew’s unwavering commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
Thomas Mathew’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about personal achievement, but about the impact one creates in the lives of others. From a small beginning in 1997 to becoming a leading institution in skill development, his journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and a passion for empowering others.
Through Brainnet, he continues to shape futures, proving that with the right skills and guidance, every individual has the potential to succeed.
